Treasured Poem

I found this poem in an old bible of mine, copied in May of 1980 just months before Maleah was born and 18 months after Shawn was born. Ryan was a complete surprise for the future!

I wash the dirt from little feet,
And as I wash I pray,
"Lord, keep them ever pure and true,
To walk the narrow way."

I wash the dirt from little hands,
And earnestly I ask,
"Lord, may they ever yielded be,
To do the humblest task."

I wash the dirt from little knees,
And pray, "Lord,may they be
The place where victories are won,
And orders sought from Thee."

I scrub the clothes that soil so soon,
And pray, "Lord, may their dress
Throughout eternal ages be
Thy robes of righteousness."

E'er many hours shall pass, I know,
I'll wash these hands again,
And there'll be dirt upon their clothes,
Before the day shall end.

But as they journey on through life,
And learn of want and pain,
"Lord, keep their precious little hearts
Cleansed from all sin and stain.

For soap and water cannot reach
Where Thou alone canst see,
Their hands and feet, these I can wash,
I trust their hearts to Thee."

Author: Barbara C. Byberg